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  • UFC Fight Night Boston: Dillashaw vs. Cruz Observer panel picks

    Sunday night brings our first free UFC card of the year and it’s a big one as a men’s title fight will air on FS 1 for the first time in company history as bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw looks to defend against former champion Dominick Cruz. Cruz will fight for just the second time in four years, but this may be the biggest fight in the division’s history.

    The action doesn’t stop there as Anthony Pettis will try to begin his road back to the top of the lightweight division with former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez standing in his way. Also, Travis Browne will attempt to rebound from a stunning KO defeat at the hand of Andrei Arlovski when he faces soon-to-be free agent Matt Mitrione. There are familiar names up and down the card including four longtime UFC vets as Patrick Cote goes up against the resurgent Ben Saunders and Ed Herman takes on Tim Boetsch in a pairing of two struggling middleweights moving up a weight class.

    Here’s our panel with the 2015 records in parenthesis. We’ve also added a running tally of the records of the favorites going into the fights and the panel consensus picks:

    • John Pollock (5-0 | 1.000) – Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
    • Favorites (4-1 | .800)
    • Consensus picks (4-1 | .800)
    • Mike Sempervive (4-1 | .800) – Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
    • Steve Juon (4-1; .800) – MMA Mania writer & Angry Marks founder
    • David Bixenspan (4-1 | .800) – Figure Four Weekly writer, podcast host
    • Mike Sawyer (4-1 | .800) – Tough Talk MMA
    • Josh Nason (4-1 | .800) – Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out; writer/editor WrestlingObserver.com , WON Twitter guy
    • Ryan Frederick (4-1 | .800) – WrestlingObserver.com UFC reporter, WON Twitter guy
    • Dave Meltzer (3-2 | .600) – Wrestling Observer founder
    • Paul Fontaine (3-2 | .600) – MMADraws.com founder, WrestlingObserver.com writer
    • Front Row Brian (3-2 | .600) – MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host

    > UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw (12-2) vs. Dominick Cruz (20-1)

    Dillashaw makes his 3rd title defence here after finishing former champion Renan Barao and upstart/last-minute challenger Joe Soto. Cruz last fought just over a year ago, dismantling veteran Takeya Mizugaki in quick fashion. Cruz never lost his title in the ring as he was stripped due to an extensive injury layoff. Dillashaw is with a new fight team but the heat between Cruz and Team Alpha Male runs deep and this has been a heated rivalry. Our panel is a little more confident than the betting line in this one.

    • Dillashaw (slight favorite): Bix, Juon, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Nason, Meltzer, Sempervive
    • Cruz: Pollock, Sawyer, Fontaine

    Anthony Pettis (18-3) vs. Eddie Alvarez (26-4)
    Lightweights

    Neither the oddsmakers or our panel are giving Alvarez much of a chance here. Pettis steamrolled through the division before running into Rafael Dos Anjos last year, losing his lightweight title in the process in a one-sided affair. Alvarez is 1-1 in UFC after a long and successful career in Bellator, while Pettis hopes to earn a title shot with a dominant win here. If Alvarez wins, he’d probably need at least one big win before getting a title shot but stranger things have happened.

    Pettis (huge favorite): Bix, Pollock, Sawyer, Juon, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Fontaine, Nason, Meltzer, Sempervive

    Travis Browne (17-3-1)  vs Matt Mitrione (9-4)
    Heavyweights

    Browne has been dealing with a lot of turmoil outside the cage since losing to the aforementioned Arlovski in one of 2015’s most memorable fights. With domestic abuse allegations that he was cleared from and his highly publicized relationship with Ronda Rousey, Browne could be vulnerable here. Mitrione, though, has been very vocal about the fact he’s not happy in UFC and with his contract expiring after this fight, he could be on his way out. He’s a familiar name with a crowd-pleasing style and would likely get picked up by Bellator should he chose not to re-sign. Whatever happens, this fight should be quick.

    • Browne (moderate favorite): Pollock, Sawyer, Juon, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Fontaine, Nason, Meltzer, Sempervive
    • Mitrione: Bix

    Patrick Cote (22-9) vs Ben Saunders (19-6-2)
    Welterweights

    Cote has been around since UFC 50 and is still looking good in the Octagon as evidenced by his third round stoppage win over Josh Burkman last August. He’s fought as high as 205 pounds, but is still in great shape at 170. While not a title contender by any stretch, he’s a very popular fighter and usually has good fights. Saunders is a perfect 3-0 since leaving Bellator MMA. The submission specialist is surprisingly a favorite here but our panel is split on this one.

    • Cote: Sawyer, Juon, Frederick, Nason, Sempervive
    • Saunders (slight favorite): Bix, Pollock, Front Row Brian, Fontaine, Meltzer

    Ed Herman (21-11) vs Tim Boetsch (18-9)
    Light Heavyweights 

    Both guys are moving up from middleweight in an attempt to stop the downward momentum they’ve had in recent years. Both have lost four of their last six, and both are coming off of first round KO losses in their last fight. Herman is in his 10th year in UFC, but this could be his last if he doesn’t turn it around. Boetsch has “only” been in UFC since 2008, but has also seen better days. This really could be a loser leaves town fight. Again, our panel agrees with the oddsmakers.

    • Herman: Pollock, Front Row Brian
    • Boetsch (big favorite): Bix, Sawyer, Juon, Frederick, Fontaine, Nason, Meltzer, Sempervive

    Josh Nason will be live cageside for all the coverage starting with the Fight Pass prelims at 6 PM EST.

  • Fox Sports suspends Kenny Florian for plagiarism

    Fox Sports today announced that announcer Kenny Florian, 39, a former star UFC fighter, was being suspended after a controversy from an article he posted  earlier in the week on the Fox Sports web site.

    The article was a breakdown of tomorrow night’s fight between bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw and former champion Dominick Cruz in Boston. Significant parts of the story were apparently almost identical to a piece Lee Wylie had done about the career of famous boxer Willie Pep from December.

    Later, the Fox Sports web site added an Editor’s Note, saying, “Language in this breakdown borrows from written material in a video of an in-depth look at the defensive boxing prowess of Willie Pep by TheFightCity.com boxing analyst Lee Wylie. The original version of the story did not contain this credit. We regret the oversight.”

    Florian and Wylie have spoken and Wylie seemed fine with Florian, writing, “Show me someone who hasn’t made a mistake and I’ll show you a liar. It’s not the end of the world.”

    Fox this morning announced, “It is vitally important that Fox Sports and FoxSports.com maintain credibility and trust with their readers, viewers and fans. UFC on-air personality Kenny Florian is being suspended beginning immediately for a critical oversight in a story posted earlier this week on FoxSports.com.  Florian has admitted and regrets his mistake and apolgoized for the error.”

  • WOL 1/15: Weekend kickoff, Dr. Lucha talks CMLL, AAA, Del Rio, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today to finish off the workweek with news, phone calls, and a visit from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims to talk AAA, CMLL, Lucha Underground, Alberto Del Rio and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • FREE B&V 1/14: Vinny’s Raw report, NXT, special guest host Danny, Granny, more!

    The Bryan & Vinny Show is back tonight with a FREE episode courtesy wrestlingobserver.com! Special guest host DANNY joins us with tons to talk about including NXT on Full Sail and Vinny’s Raw report, plus Granny’s Q&A, some great songs and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Daily Update: Tim Kennedy threatened by ISIS, Stephanie getting ready for Mania

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT house shows in Milwaukee and Winter Haven, FL to Dave Meltzer

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON THE USA NETWORK

    Dudleys vs Erick Rowan & Luke Harper in a tables match

    Zack Ryder & Jack Swagger & Damien Sandow & Goldust vs. Heath Slater & Curtis Axel & Adam Rose & Bo Dallas

    Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio for U.S. title

    Becky Lynch vs. Brie Bella

    Dean Ambrose & Neville vs. Sheamus & Kevin Owens

    The Kalisto vs. Del Rio title match was said to be really good.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!  We have two new quick video clips up on our Youtube page, so check it out and subscribe today for more!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 18, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW strips Nakamura, Sting to HOF

    An update on Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling is the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.  His departure, not losing the IC title in the ring, the decision making surrounding it, Nakamura’s final matches in Japan and his start in the U.S., New Japan’s next two PPV shows, and the future of the IC title.

    Nick Diaz’s updated suspension, Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler, and the welterweight division title situation.  UFC 197 through 200 with talk about what is next for Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, MMA in New York, what huge publicity coup UFC had that fell apart, is UFC too confident about high ticket prices, and a number of future main events.  The plans for C.M. Punk’s debut.

    Lots of WrestleMania updates, including what is on the books and other key matches.  We’ve got more on John Cena’s surgery, updates on a number of WWE injuries, a look at the first Smackdown on USA, more on brain injuries to fighters and wrestlers, Notes on the next NXT tapings, new WWE camps, double standards, Linda McMahon update, NXT weekend, and football background of two NXT stars.

    Rundowns of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the weekend and business notes.  Updates on Royal Rumble.

    A feature on Sting and his career, from growing up through Memphis, through WCW and TNA and his final run in WWE.  How he got started, his first break, the Ric Flair match that made him a star, when he was originally going to win the NWA title and why it was delayed, what happened when he was champion, the Hogan vs. Sting disaster, how he ended up in TNA.

    Full coverage of TNA’s tapings and PPV, contract issues, the Matt Hardy situation and what is the short-term future for television.

    Yoel Romero and his potential test failure and how this changes the middleweight division.  Romero’s background, fighter reactions to his test failure.

    The future of the AAA Mega championship and the current plans for Guerra de Titanes, the first major show of 2016 in AAA.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    The book “Whatever Happened to Gorgeous George?” on pro wrestling, written in the early 70s by Sports Illustrated’s Joe Jares, is being reprinted by Crowbar Press.  It was the best wrestling book of its era.  For more info

    Tim Kennedy has noted that ISIS has been threatening him and the FBI has been investigating it.  He essentially went on social media and challenged them saying, “Let those cowards come.”   Kennedy will also be a guest on Michael Bisping’s Countdown show on Sirius XM Rush Ch. 923 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight.  I’m guessing Yoel Romero will come up. 

    Stephanie McMahon on Twitter talked about how she’s getting into shape for WrestleMania.

    Jerry Millen, the Vice President of Rizin, Tweeted today that Fedor Emelianenko would not be fighting on the 4/17 show in Nagoya, but would return later in the year.  

    National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony is being pushed back one week to 7/22 and 7/23 and still in Waterloo, IA of course.  The induction will include myself and Chael Sonnen!

    WWE

    • Tomorrow’s WWE lineup for New Delhi, India, its first show in India in more than 12 years: Roman Reigns vs. Big Show for WWE title, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt, New Day vs. Usos, Charlotte vs. Summer Rae for the Divas title, Ryback vs. Rusev (who returns on this show), Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze, Lovepreet Singh vs. Jason Jordan, Satender Ved Pat vs. Chad Gable  —  Jordan & Gable have been working with the two at the Performance Center for their debuts in their home country which is why they are on the tour.  I believe this is Gable’s main roster debut as well.
    • The Hall of Fame pre-sale tickets were a quick sellout yesterday.  The remaining tickets held back go on sale tomorrow morning and will be sold out quickly.
    • Ric Flair appears as part of the Days of the Dead festival on 2/5 to 2/7 at the Sheraton in Atlanta.
    • WWE stock was up 73 cents per share today, which is a rebound plus after a bad day yesterday, to close to $16.83 per share. 

    UFC/MMA

    • The Bellator Fan Fest in Houston featuring Kurt Angle, Tito Ortiz, Liam McGeary, Phil Davis and Randy Couture was announced for 2/18 at Dave & Buster’s from 8-11 p.m.  They did one of these in San Jose and it drew a huge crowd.
    • There is a last minute change for Sunday’s UFC show in Boston.  Augusto Mendes, who was just announced a few days ago as a replacement to face Charles Rosa, has dropped off the show.  Kyle Bochniak (6-0) is debuting to face Rosa literally three days before the fight.  The main event of this show is  TJ Dillashaw defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz.
    • Cris Cyborg, will headline an Invicta show Saturday night, on Fight Pass. 
    • Urijah Faber appears in a TV commercial in Sacramento for Bell Brothers, a Sacramento Air Conditioning and plumbing company.
    • Paul Fontaine previews the RFA show tomorrow night on AXS which is one of their bigger shows as far as star power
    • ONE Championship on 1/29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia features Ev Ting of Malaysia vs. Eric Kelly of The Philippines in the main event. 

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • There is a huge nostalgia show on 2/26 in Raleigh at the Dorton Arena, the old home of pro wrestling in that city.  It features two cage matches with the Rock & Roll Express vs. Warlord & Barbarian, who will be managed by Jim Cornette, and Road Warrior Animal with be the gatekeeper.  Also appearing are Lex Luger, Jimmy Valiant and Scott Steiner.  And the second cage match is Matt Hardy defending the TNA title against Ethan Carter III.
    • Evolve has a big show on 1/23 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Complex featuring an autograph signing of Jason Jordan & Chad Gable, an appearance by William Regal plus matches in their tag team tournament which features an amazing lineup with Timothy Thatcher & Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Hero & Tommy End, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero, Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway, Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese, Drew Gulak & TJ Perkins, The Bravado Brothers and Team Tremendous.
    • A story on longtime wrestling announcer Bob Caudle
    • Infinity Pro Wrestling on 1/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling on 2/12 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Cleveland features Missy Hyatt, plus Alex Shelley vs. Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace vs. Veda Scott and more.
    • Smash Wrestling on 2/6 in Oshawa, ONT at the Harmony Creek Community and Events Centre.
    • CHIKARA’s first show of the year will be a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on 1/30 Philadelphia at The Wrestle Factory. 
    • BANG on 1/23 in Ocala, FL at the new BANG Sound Stage at 2501 SW 57th Ave. #605, featuring Dory Funk Jr. and Johnny Magnum.
    • Future Stars of Wrestling tomorrow night in Las Vegas for New Year’s Resolution at the FSW Arena at 7 p.m. with Kevin Kross, Sinn Bohdi, and an appearance by Jake Roberts. 
    • There will be a fund raiser for Connor’s Cure on 1/24 at The Lounge Bar in Luton, England at 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. with a Royal Rumble viewing party.  Rock Bottom Radio is putting this on and they encourage fans to dress like your favorite wrestler.
    • GOUGE returns on Saturday night for the Redneck Rumble in Fuquay Varina, NC at 5 p.m. at the Draft Line Brewing Company.  The show is free.
    • Jason Kincaid will be headlining CWE shows from 2/19 to 2/25 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
    • IWF Winter Warfare on 1/16 at 7 p.m. at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ. 

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/14): Christian Cage wins TNA/NWA World Title

  • Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn on UFC Boston, CM Punk, BJ Penn

    With UFC Boston days away, New England native and JNPO host Josh Nason is pumped like Bob Sapp after he’s found an easy payday, so he brought in MMA Junkie and Rolling Stone writer Mike Bohn to revel in what’s to come, as well as discuss a pretty wild news week in the world of MMA.

    This week’s show is free for everyone — the perfect opportunity to sample a show if you’ve been thinking about trying us out. Please share freely!

    On the menu today:

    – This Sunday’s UFC Boston and the difficult question of the ultimate head vs. heart pick: T.J. Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz

    – Why Mike thinks Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez is also a head vs. heart pick

    – Thoughts on Nick Diaz’s suspension being lifted and what could be next for him

    – MIke’s thoughts on Ronda Rousey from his past talks with her and his thoughts on Rousey being off UFC 200

    – Whether Mickey Gall might have an advantage over CM Punk if they do fight this summer

    – Whether Mike wants to see BJ Penn return and whether there’s a better chance of GSP returning instead

    – Thoughts on the recent UFC equipment violations

    – And more!

    Right click below to save the file or just click to listen. 

    *****

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  • WOL 1/14: Steve Austin to WrestleMania, Dave Meltzer interview, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including Steve Austin’s return to WrestleMania, Wanderlei Silva free to fight in Japan, questions, text messages, plus the latest from the Wrestling Observer with Dave Meltzer! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Wanderlei Silva released from his UFC contract

    Former Pride Grand Prix  Champion and 12 fight UFC vet Wanderlei Silva was released today from his UFC contract. Silva last fought in March 2013, knocking out Brian Stann in the 2nd round of a Fuel TV show from Japan. He was then scheduled to fight Chael Sonnen in a fight stemming off the two of them coaching on TUF Brazil. The fight was put off several times due to injuries and then drug testing issues with both fighters.

    First reported by MMAjunkie’s Steven Marrocco .

    In Silva’s case, he was approached at his gym by drug testers and famously ran out the back door to avoid the test. He was eventually given a lifetime ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That ban has since been rescinded and both sides are currently in negotiations for a more appropriate punishment. In the meantime Silva has still been at odds with the organization he’s under contract to, including accusing the UFC of fixing fights.

    This morning, word actually came out that Silva was taking back those claims, saying that he’d been misunderstood. A few hours later, word came out that Silva had been released.

    For several years in the early 2000’s, “The Axe Murderer” was one of the most feared fighters in any weight class. After losing to Tito Ortiz at UFC 25 in April 2000, Silva had a stretch of 18 fights in a row where he didn’t suffer a loss before losing a split decision to the much larger Mark Hunt on the 2004 Pride year-end show. 14 of those fights ended with Silva KO’ing his opponent, most in the first round.

    Silva returned to UFC in December 2007 after Zuffa bought Pride and absorbed the fighter contracts. He went 4-5 after his return with 3 knockouts. All but one of those fights was in the Main Event or co-Main event position. He leaves the UFC with an overall record of 35-12-1 and would almost certainly be highly sought after by either Rizin Fighting or Bellator MMA.

  • Steve Austin confirms WrestleMania appearance

    Steve Austin, WWE’s biggest peak drawing card in its history, has indicated that he will probably make an appearance at WrestleMania this year.

    Austin, as a guest on Jim Ross’ 100th podcast this week, categorized it as 99 percent that he would be appearing on the show on 4/3 at AT&T Stadium. He will not be wrestling on the show. He said that he had an idea that he’s interested in but said he’s yet to talk to creative.

    He indicated even if they don’t agree to do his idea, he would be at the show appearing in some form.

    Austin appeared at the 2014 WrestleMania in a segment with Hulk Hogan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Last year in Santa Clara, Austin didn’t appear.

  • January 18, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW strips Nakamura, Sting to HOF

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